‘Diego encouraged us from heaven’: Messi pays tribute to Maradona
The HinduLionel Messi, who inspired Argentina to its third World Cup trophy, said, “it is Diego who encouraged us from heaven.” Argentina, on Sunday, defeated France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after both teams drew at 3-3 following extra-time, with Messi scoring twice and then another in the shootout as Albiceleste ended their 36-year wait for football’s greatest prize. Talking about Maradona, his former coach during the 2010 South Africa World Cup, Messi said, “It’s also from Diego who encouraged us from heaven. !” Messi added, “And of course, it’s from all this beautiful group that was formed and of the technical team and all the people of the national team who, being anonymous, work day and night to make it easier for us.” Argentina returned home amid huge fanfare as millions gathered in Buenos Aires to welcome the national team heroes. Messi’s latest Instagram message came after his photo holding the World Cup trophy became the most popular post in the social media platform’s history, amassing 65 million likes.